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Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Association "Rural center Owl" is an organization founded in 2014. with the goal of doing good to both, local community in the municipality of Sremska Mitrovica and to all the species, which are very present in this rural area (the accent is, you will guess, on birds, and especially one, what is its name...it is connected with wisdom...wait, wait, I have it...owl, yes, exactly, hehe). In order to achieve that they participated in many projects with countless partners from abroad and from Serbia. Their activities are usually education of youth (but not only, we can always learn something new), numerous volunteering actions of cleaning the surroundings, monitoring the birds, counting the specific ones, promoting rural tourism with respect to the local eco-system.
Young Researchers of Serbia (YRS) was founded in 1976. Our main aims are environmental protection and education, promotion of sustainable development, work with young people in an international context, promotion of scientific creativity and voluntarism and its values. Voluntary Service of Serbia is a volunteer exchange service center founded in 1990 as one of the sectors of YRS.
Description of work:
This project will be very rich in what will be done during the stay. Firstly, volunteers will make and then position houses for birds. Also, they will prepare info-tables (boards) that will be put on some locations (local eco-center and few other important points). The stars of the project, owls, will have their winter areas arranged, since they need to do the general cleaning from time to time (luckily for them, volunteers will do that instead of themselves; what can we say-they are noblesse of the area and that oblige...the others, hehe). Arranging of the river coast, as well as some cleaning of the local beach will also take place. For the end, formation of local eco-garden in the bio-center "Green Zasavica". Can anybody wish for something more from a beautiful workcamp?
Description of location and leisure:
The project will be situated in the cute village of Zasavica (pronounced: "Zasavitsa"). It is typical agricultural settlement in this part of Serbia, since there are houses, taken-care-of gardens in front, big fields for different land cultures in the back. It is not big, but it has its charm.
In extremely near surrounding is the "Special natural reserve of Zasavica", protected area with huge number of species of flora and fauna (Ranunculus lingua, Hottonia palustris, as well as rarer Triturus dobrogicus, to name just a few)! Also, we shouldn't forget classics like Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) and beaver (Castor fiber), which was re-introduced in 2005. into these lands after 100 years of absence. It is good to mention that the cheese made of donkey milk is being made in the reserve, so if you get the chance to taste just a piece (we will see what we can do about that), know that you will be offered with the gift of 70 euros (hehe, really, 1 kilo costs around 1300 euros at the market).
Interesting can be that the village is only 12,67 (depending on location) km away from Sremska Mitrovica, once one of 4 capitals of the mighty Roman empire (together with Rome, Constantinopolis and Mediolanum-Milano; it was called Sirmium back then). There are still some remnants in city museums that remind the passenger of glorious past, although it should be said that the town itself even today looks really beautiful (it is just not that big as the rest of its imperial companions, hehe; who ever heard of Sirmium outside of Serbia, Yugoslavia and history-professors, not even them all know; well, you might now have even the chance to visit it). Fun fact-9 Roman emperors were born there.
For the end, important river of Sava passes by, so numerous beaches can be visited regularly, to have some refreshment in the hot days!
Needless to say really, but keep in mind that locals will be very happy to welcome you, so patience with language barriers and good mood are always nice to have!
[Travel Information]
The nearest airport: BEG in Belgrade (Beograd),Yugoslavia
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Sremska Mitrovica
Meeting Point and Time: It is very easy to reach Sremska Mitrovica from Belgrade (one hour with busses or trains). All precise informationS will be in the Infosheet.
Description of accommodation and food:
The accommodation will be in the local bio-center and the food will be prepared from domestic ingredients (you will see, it is a very fertile zone, of what locals are very proud demonstrating their happiness and creativity in their numerous meals, to conclude-Nobody will be hungry, right the opposite, hehe).
English
First Language: English
Available vegetarian food: Yes
Description of specific requirements: No specific requirements needed, but it will make your life easier if you bring sunscreen, adequate clothes and mosquito repellent as it gets hot and humid during the summer in Serbia. All in all, just that and smile!
Documents the applicants have to provide: -
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Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Association for help to the persons that need additional support (persons with some kind of disability) "Voždovac" is non-governmental, non-profit humanitarian organization that for goal has social inclusion of their users. They work with kids, youth and adult people that have autism, Dawn's syndrome, cerebral paralysis, etc. The intention is to be there to organize their free time, in order to make them closer to the community.
Young Researchers of Serbia (YRS) was founded in 1976. Our main aims are environmental protection and education, promotion of sustainable development, work with young people in an international context, promotion of scientific creativity and voluntarism and its values. Voluntary Service of Serbia is a volunteer exchange service center founded in 1990 as one of the sectors of YRS.
Description of work:
Volunteers will spend mornings in various activities with the members that Association supports. There will be artistic tasks (mosaics), educational (some workshops), sports... After the lunch, together with the users, volunteers will walk in city center visiting main museums (National one, Nikola Tesla museum, Ethnographic...).
Volunteers will also dedicate some time to keep the school clean.
The main aim is to be there to meet the people that don't have that many opportunities for that in regular life, so the good will is really something that will help immensely!
Description of location and leisure:
Camp is taking place in Belgrade, just few kilometers from historic center with the good connection of free public transport (20 minutes, by bus). As one of the most ancient cities in Europe, Serbian and once-Yugoslavian capital has a lot to offer. Streets full of friendly people, galleries, caffes, museums, parks, clubs, monuments, fortress that looks at two mighty European rivers (Sava and Danube)-it is all made so that people can appreciate the Life more (to say it poetically). Many activities will be part of the project, but volunteers will also have some free-time, that they can use as it suits them.
The only things that would be nice to bring with you are patience and smile, all the rest is of secondary importance!
The nearest airport: BEG in Belgrade (Beograd),Yugoslavia
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Belgrade bus station
Meeting Point and Time: The meeting point is not set yet, it will be given in the Infosheet.
Description of accommodation and food:
Volunteers will be accommodated in the school dormitory for the pupils with difficulties (disabilities) in rooms with 2 or 3 beds and bathroom. Since it is a time of holidays, rooms will be empty, but some kids will be there to join the activities.
Provided food will be prepared by volunteers in the dormitory's kitchen.
English
Description of specific requirements: There are no specific requirements, but it will make your life easier if you bring sunscreen, adequate clothes and mosquito repellent as it gets hot and humid during the summer in Serbia.
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Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
The Emmaus Community of Catanzaro is part of the global Emmaus Movement, which aims to combat poverty and social exclusion through the principles of work, sharing, and mutual aid. EMMAUS Catanzaro manages a community for homeless men with social and economic difficulties based in Satriano (CZ). Emmaus runs the community in self-management and self-financing through the recovery of second-hand goods and the Mercatino Solidale (Flea Market) and through the help of local volunteers. The Community host ONLY male.
Description of work:
Volunteers will help in collecting second-hand goods, arrange the solidarity market, advertising, tidying up and cleaning premises, serving meals. The work is organised only for half a day. One day off withing the week.
Description of location and leisure:
In their free time, volunteers can visit both seaside and mountain areas in the nearby and can visit the archaeological area of Scholacium on their own costs. Half day will be free everyday.
The nearest airport: SUF in Lamezia Terme,Italy
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Satriano Marittima
Meeting Point and Time: Satriano Marittima
Description of accommodation and food:
Volunteers will stay on the ground floor of the community in rooms with bunk beds. They will have a bathroom with a shower (extra showers will only be available outside during July-Aug.) Volunteers will experience community life with the community members who host them and will eat meals together. The kitchen is not available to volunteers, but meals are prepared for everyone in the community canteen by an assigned person.
First Language: English
Second Language: Italian
* 현장납부비용 : EUR 50
Description of specific requirements: Volunteers should have an interest in charity work and previous volunteering experience is very welcome. The use of alcohol and psychotropic substances is prohibited.Extra fee of euro50 is due to support food expences, it has to be paid upon arrival.
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본 워크캠프 참가를 위해서는 참가비 외 현장납부비를 현장에서 외화로 직접 납부하셔야 합니다. 자세한 사항은 [국가별 참가비]를 참고해주세요
▶http://bit.ly/2scA9fx
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Short remarks for the project:
Volunteers should have an interest in charity work and previous volunteering experience is very welcome. The use of alcohol and psychotropic substances is prohibited.
Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Focused on promoting cultural exchange, social inclusion and community development, the association organizes initiatives that combine environmental sustainability, artistic expression and civic engagement. With a strong commitment to international cooperation, Dream Dancing connects young people from diverse backgrounds to promote learning, collaboration and a shared sense of responsibility.
Description of work:
The main tasks to be carried out by volunteers include:1. Cleaning Public Spaces: Collection and removal of litter from streets, squares, parks, and gardens; Washing and cleaning public monuments and walls; Removing graffiti and unwanted markings from public and historical spaces. 2. Restoration of Historical Buildings: Cleaning facades of historical buildings; Painting walls, fences, and other exterior elements of historical structures; Performing minor repairs to preserve and restore the architectural integrity of historical landmarks. 3. Improvement of Recreational Areas: Repairing and repainting urban furniture, such as benches, tables, and playground equipment; Installing or replacing small fixtures, such as trash bins and signage;
Description of location and leisure:
The camp is located in Salvaterra de Magos, a picturesque town in central Portugal. This area is predominantly rural, surrounded by lush landscapes, agricultural fields, and the scenic Tagus River. Despite its tranquil setting, the town is well-connected to larger urban centers, offering a blend of natural beauty and accessibility.
Description of accommodation and food:
Volunteers will be housed in a local community center or hostel, offering shared dormitory-style rooms. The facility is clean, safe, and equipped with essential amenities.Hygiene Facilities:Shared bathrooms with hot water showers and toilets will be available. Separate facilities will be designated for male and female participants.Meals:Participants will receive three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The menu will include a variety of Portuguese and international dishes, with vegetarian and dietary options available upon request.
English
Description of specific requirements: Participants must come prepared with:Clothing and Footwear: Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities; Work gloves and sturdy shs/boots for manual tasks; Rain gear (jacket, waterproof boots) for unexpected weatherPersonal items: Mattress, Sleeping Bag, Pillow; Reusable water bottle; Sunscreen and insect repellent; Toiletries and a towel; Any necessary medications
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Age : 19-30
Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Adatepe Women’s Cooperative is a social enterprise founded by women living in the village of Fındık in the Göksun district of Kahramanmaraş province. The cooperative, founded in 2024, aims to produce food products specific to this region by women living here and convey them to other provinces in Turkey.
Description of work:
Gönüllü Hizmetler Derneği-Childhood Dreams program, organized for children between the ages of 10-14 with limited access, is a social content and child-themed workcamp. A volunteer team consisting of foreign and Turkish volunteers will run a 1-week camp program with children living in village. The program content, activities to be done with the children and the organization of the volunteer team will be planned by the Childhood Dreams camp leader. The camp has been running successfully since 2009 with the same theme.
Description of location and leisure:
The camp will be held in Kahramanmaraş (city), Göksun (district), Fındık (village). Local trips will be organized as a leisure activity.
[Travel Information]
Meeting Point and Time: Volunteers will be picked up from a from the airport or Kahramanmaraş city center on July 3rd. It will be announced in next days. Volunteers can find direct flight to Kahramanmaraş Airport from Istanbul or Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
Description of accommodation and food:
Accommodation will be in flats. There are 2 separate flats for volunteers, for male and female. There will be 4 international volunteers, 4 national volunteers and 1 camp leader in the camp. 3 meals a day will be provided to the volunteers by the people who is living in the village.
English
* 현장납부비용 : 0
[영문지원동기서 첨부 안내]
본 워크캠프 신청을 위해서는 영문지원동기서를 별도로 제출하셔야 합니다. 신청서의 Motivation과 별도로 해당 워크캠프 활동 내용을 바탕으로 구체적인 참가동기, 관련 경험 등을 영문으로 작성한 지원동기서(Motivation Letter)를 신청서 작성 시 첨부해주시기 바랍니다.
▶파일형식: Microsoft Word
▶파일이름: 워크캠프 코드-영문이름(ML)
(ex. EST08-Gildong_HONG(ML).docx)
▶분량: 1장(자유양식)
▶첨부방법: 신청서 상의 ATTACHING FILE에 첨부
[범죄경력조회서 제출안내(CGC: Certificate of Good Conduct)]
본 워크캠프는 합격 후 범죄 및 수사 경력을 증명하기 위해 범죄-수사경력회보서(Criminal Records Check Reply 또는 Certificate of Good Conduct)를 제출하셔야 합니다.
- 온라인 또는 경찰서에서 영문으로 발급
- 워크캠프 합격 후 2주 내에 국제워크캠프기구 및 현지 기관담당자에게 이메일 제출
- 회보서 원본을 워크캠프 현장에서 제출
First Language: English
Available vegetarian food: Yes
Description of specific requirements: The acceptance phase is a 2-step process. As a first step, CVs and motivation letters will be requested from volunteers and as a second step volunteers will be interviewed via Zoom / Google Meet. Experience working with children are preferred.
Documents the applicants have to provide: Motivation letter, Criminal Record,
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DESCRIPTION OF WORK: You do not need experience to
participate in “Paper Road”. You will work with an
archaeologist and historian. The volunteer camp takes
place at the foot of the mountain, in the Paular valley, a
place historically linked to the Los Batanes estate as a
model of industrial development such as the use of
different hydraulic devices to take advantage of water
energy. This is where the galley proofs with which the first
edition of Don Quixote was published were produced.
Why participate in our field? In “Camino de Papel”,
participants will carry out a series of specific
archaeological activities in different locations with the
aim of discovering archaeological remains based on
previous research. For 15 days, you will be able to enjoy a
special vacation, meeting people from other regions and
countries.
Tasks: Clearing and cleaning of existing
vegetation, both inside and outside and around the
perimeter of archaeological structures. Manual cleaning
and scraping of construction parts (walls, floors, etc.).
removing vegetation that is harmful to architectural
elements. If archaeological objects are found, they will be
collected, documented, and stored for later study.
Excavate certain structures using archaeological
methodology, developing strict stratigraphic
documentation of the levels of deposition and the
construction units that may exist in the subsoil. In this
process, all archaeological material will be collected. An
archaeological survey is also planned. Register all
archaeological material collected for research and
subsequent storage in the Regional Archaeological
Museum of the Community of Madrid, as established by
current legislation.
Location: Rascafría
ACCOMODATION:
“San Fermin” Youth Hostel i Avda. of the Fueros, 36 28041
Madrid
English
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Age : 19-30
Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Small but active, the community of Vellexon-Queutrey-et-Vaudey is counting on international volunteers to transform its territory! The inhabitants of this village in Haute-Saône are looking forward to welcoming their second international workcamp. It corresponds to the UN mission of “sustainable cities and communities” and its goals. This includes discovering new and different ways of thinking and acting, sharing skills, investing oneself to develop an area and taking part in the collective life: there will be many possibilities to promote solidarity! Each workcamp offers unique experiences, so come to Vellexon and make your own!
Description of work:
The community of Vellexon would like to establish a space for social connections in the heart of their town. To make it possible, this year we're continuing with the creation of a place that should soon host exchanges focused on solidarity and intergenerational links. To contribute to this development, you will be renovating the paving (floor) of the wash-house which is located next to this square for around 6 hours per day. You will learn techniques of traditional masonry (wall-building). There is no knowledge required! You will evolve as a team with the help of two leaders, sharing all tasks associated with collective life such as, cooking, cleaning, after work activities, etc.
Description of location and leisure:
The community of Vellexon-Queutrey-et-Vaudey (70130) is situated at 25km from Gray(70100), 30km from Vesoul (70000) and 50km from Besançon (25000) in the region “Haute-Saône”.
May it be during the afternoons or the weekends, it will be your group that initiates and organizes the activities for the free time. The ideal programme will take into account the wishes of everybody, the local possibilities (hikes, local artists, summer concerts, “châteaux”, etc) and the financial side of things.
You can also rely on the support of the villagers to organize moments of exchange, and they will be delighted to share with you and to give advice on how to best discover the local environment and enjoy your stay.
The nearest airport: ORY in Paris,France
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): The closest SNCF train station is the one in Vesoul (70000)
Meeting Point and Time: A meeting point and time will be organized to make the arrival easier, which is in general at the end of the afternoon between 16 and 18 o'clock. The departure on the last day will be around 10 o'clock.
Description of accommodation and food:
The commune will provide two areas especially for your group: the first will be dedicated to sleeping, with communal rooms for three or four people mixed-gender, with mattresses provided by the local population. Please bring your own covers, pillows or sleeping bags. The second space is a multi-purpose room with a kitchen, ideal for meals and socializing. Showers and laundry will be done in the homes of the locals. The worksite is only three minutes away by foot and for other trips like going shopping or visiting the surroundings, the locals will be gladly willing to help out.
Accompanied by the camp leaders, you will make the menu and prepare the meals each day, in turn. The budget is approx. 5€ per day and person. There will be the possibility to eat vegetarian or vegan and plan accordingly, if necessary. Often you will share meals with the villagers giving you the opportunity to discover the local gastronomy and to share special moments together.
English
Description of specific requirements: There are absolutely no requirements in terms of linguistic or technical abilities. Just be aware that you need to carry relatively small stones for the actual work.
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Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Open Houses. is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and revitalisation of historic buildings through volunteer-driven initiatives. It emerged from grassroots efforts to restore abandoned heritage sites in East Germany and has since expanded into a European network fostering heritage conservation, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
The organisation believes that heritage should be actively lived, not just preserved as static monuments. By creating open spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can collaborate, Open Houses promotes a participatory approach to heritage conservation. Through international workcamps, training courses, and long-term volunteer programmes, participants engage in hands-on restoration, sustainable site management, and skill-building activities.
Volunteering is at the heart of Open Houses fostering a spirit of collective effort, learning, and cultural exchange. The organisation provides opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to contribute to meaningful projects, offering hands-on experiences that promote teamwork, self-reliance, and cross-cultural understanding. Through workcamps, mid-term volunteering, and leadership programmes, participants develop practical skills, engage with local communities, and take an active role in maintaining shared spaces. By creating non-commercial, inclusive environments, Open Houses. encourages personal growth, social responsibility, and the strengthening of international networks based on collaboration and mutual respect.
As the parent organisation of European Heritage Volunteers, Open Houses also plays a key role in coordinating conservation projects across Europe, supporting grassroots initiatives, and advocating for heritage as a shared cultural responsibility beyond national borders.
Description of work:
The camp leader acts as a bridge between the volunteers, the organization, and the technical leaders overseeing the practical work. Their primary role is to support the group from a social and intercultural perspective. This is a great opportunity to develop leadership, organizational, and intercultural skills while making a meaningful impact. Camp leaders must work independently while collaborating with co-leaders and technical staff. The role demands effort, empathy, and teamwork but also offers a fulfilling and fun experience. Open Houses encourages creativity and provides guidance and training. Before leading a camp, leaders will participate as regular volunteers to familiarise themselves with the role.
Responsibilities include social and organizational leadership (welcoming volunteers, introducing them to the camp, and organizing daily schedules, including work, meals, and breaks), group coordination (such as managing rotating cooking and cleaning teams, purchasing food, and overseeing meal preparation), organizing leisure activities (planning evening events like campfires, barbecues, and games, as well as weekend trips to nearby towns), providing team support (staying in close contact with technical leaders, assisting in work tasks when needed, and helping coordinate working groups) and general camp management tasks including handling finances, documenting activities through notes and photos, and leading evaluations.
Description of location and leisure:
Lohra Castle, located in northern Thuringia, Germany, stands as one of the region’s most representative medieval fortifications located in the vicinity of important trade routes that connected the medieval world of central Europe. Though its present form is modest, the castle continues to command a striking position within the hilly landscape near a natural reserve. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the site reflects multiple layers of architectural evolution, shaped by shifting political, economic, and social contexts over the centuries.
The architectural ensemble of Lohra Castle presents a rich assortment of historical styles, with elements dating back to the 11th century. Among its most remarkable features is a Romanesque double-floored chapel from the 12th century, an exceptional structure that highlights early medieval religious architecture. Traces of medieval fortifications and towers, as well as a Renaissance-era manor house, further illustrate the site’s transformation from a medieval defensive stronghold into a more residential and agricultural complex.
Despite its historical significance, Lohra Castle was abandoned for several decades, leading to neglect and structural deterioration. In the 1990s, the site was rediscovered and revitalised through the efforts of Open Houses, which has since used the castle as a base for heritage conservation, cultural initiatives, and international collaboration. Today, it serves as a centre for hands-on restoration projects organised by Open Houses´ daughter organisation European Heritage Volunteers, as well as training courses organised by partner educational institutions, and volunteer-driven maintenance efforts such as this workcamp, welcoming participants from across the world to engage with its unique built heritage.
[Travel Information]
The nearest airport: BER in Berlin,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Next towns: Bleicherode (6 km), Nordhausen (20 km), Erfurt (75 km) Region: Thuringia Next bus station: Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle Next railway stations: Gebra/Hainleite (5 km), Wolkramshausen (12 km). Next airports: Leipzig/Halle (LEJ, 155 km), Frankfurt/Main (FRA, 280 km), Berlin (BER, 300 km)
Meeting Point and Time: Information about the meeting point will be provided in the infosheet
Description of accommodation and food:
Accommodation at Open Houses projects reflects the organisation’s ethos of simplicity, shared responsibility, and community spirit. Volunteers stay in rustic but fair conditions, often within the historic sites they are helping to maintain. While the facilities are basic, they provide all essential necessities, including shared rooms, communal kitchens, and sanitary facilities. A key aspect of the experience is the collective preparation of meals—participants take turns cooking, introducing dishes from their home countries, and fostering a spirit of camaraderie through shared meals. This collaborative approach strengthens bonds among volunteers, making the experience as much about cultural exchange as it is about practical work. Food is fully provided as part of the programme, ensuring that volunteers do not face additional costs. Importantly, Open Houses does not use the fees participants pay to finance the projects; these funds remain with their sending organisations, reinforcing the programme’s non-commercial and volunteer-driven nature.
English
* 현장납부비용 : 0
[영문지원동기서 첨부 안내]
본 워크캠프 신청을 위해서는 영문지원동기서를 별도로 제출하셔야 합니다. 신청서의 Motivation과 별도로 해당 워크캠프 활동 내용을 바탕으로 구체적인 참가동기, 관련 경험 등을 영문으로 작성한 지원동기서(Motivation Letter)를 신청서 작성 시 첨부해주시기 바랍니다.
▶파일형식: Microsoft Word
▶파일이름: 워크캠프 코드-영문이름(ML)
(ex. EST08-Gildong_HONG(ML).docx)
▶분량: 1장(자유양식)
▶첨부방법: 신청서 상의 ATTACHING FILE에 첨부
First Language: English
Available vegetarian food: Yes
Description of specific requirements: Good knowledge of English language is necessary. A valid drivers license is a plus but not a must. The selection is subject to a previous interview with our team to be carried out online.
Documents the applicants have to provide: Motivation letter,
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개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
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Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
Open Houses. is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and revitalisation of historic buildings through volunteer-driven initiatives. It emerged from grassroots efforts to restore abandoned heritage sites in East Germany and has since expanded into a European network fostering heritage conservation, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
The organisation believes that heritage should be actively lived, not just preserved as static monuments. By creating open spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can collaborate, Open Houses promotes a participatory approach to heritage conservation. Through international workcamps, training courses, and long-term volunteer programmes, participants engage in hands-on restoration, sustainable site management, and skill-building activities.
Volunteering is at the heart of Open Houses fostering a spirit of collective effort, learning, and cultural exchange. The organisation provides opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to contribute to meaningful projects, offering hands-on experiences that promote teamwork, self-reliance, and cross-cultural understanding. Through workcamps, mid-term volunteering, and leadership programmes, participants develop practical skills, engage with local communities, and take an active role in maintaining shared spaces. By creating non-commercial, inclusive environments, Open Houses. encourages personal growth, social responsibility, and the strengthening of international networks based on collaboration and mutual respect.
As the parent organisation of European Heritage Volunteers, Open Houses also plays a key role in coordinating conservation projects across Europe, supporting grassroots initiatives, and advocating for heritage as a shared cultural responsibility beyond national borders.
Description of work:
Lohra Castle, with its centuries-old architecture and vast natural surroundings, is not only a site of historical significance but also a living, functioning place that requires continuous care and attention. This workcamp offers volunteers the opportunity to actively contribute to the sustainable management of the castle, ensuring that its grounds remain accessible, welcoming, and well preserved. While this workcamp does not involve hands-on heritage conservation interventions, it plays an equally essential role in the long-term care of the site, allowing future visitors and guests to experience and appreciate Lohra Castle as a harmoniously maintained historic and natural space.
The volunteers will engage in seasonal maintenance tasks, including mowing and collecting overgrown grass, clearing organic material from public areas, and ensuring that the castle’s open spaces remain well-kept. These tasks are crucial for the aesthetic and functional upkeep of the historic ensemble, preserving the visual integrity of the castle and its surroundings. The work also extends to the general maintenance of communal spaces and halls, contributing to the overall experience of visitors who use the castle for cultural events, educational programmes, and retreats. The income generated from these activities is directly reinvested into the castle’s conservation and educational projects, meaning that the work of volunteers directly supports heritage preservation efforts, even if not through conservation itself.
Beyond the practical tasks, the workcamp offers a unique and immersive experience. When the castle closes its doors to the public in the evenings, it becomes the volunteers' home, a place where they can experience the privilege of inhabiting a medieval site. In this way, they take on the role of stewards, caring for the space as if it were their own. The experience encourages a sense of responsibility, ownership, and connection to heritage, reinforcing the idea that heritage sites thrive not only through large-scale restoration projects but also through the daily care and
Description of location and leisure:
Lohra Castle, located in northern Thuringia, Germany, stands as one of the region’s most representative medieval fortifications located in the vicinity of important trade routes that connected the medieval world of central Europe. Though its present form is modest, the castle continues to command a striking position within the hilly landscape near a natural reserve. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the site reflects multiple layers of architectural evolution, shaped by shifting political, economic, and social contexts over the centuries.
The architectural ensemble of Lohra Castle presents a rich assortment of historical styles, with elements dating back to the 11th century. Among its most remarkable features is a Romanesque double-floored chapel from the 12th century, an exceptional structure that highlights early medieval religious architecture. Traces of medieval fortifications and towers, as well as a Renaissance-era manor house, further illustrate the site’s transformation from a medieval defensive stronghold into a more residential and agricultural complex.
Despite its historical significance, Lohra Castle was abandoned for several decades, leading to neglect and structural deterioration. In the 1990s, the site was rediscovered and revitalised through the efforts of Open Houses, which has since used the castle as a base for heritage conservation, cultural initiatives, and international collaboration. Today, it serves as a centre for hands-on restoration projects organised by Open Houses´ daughter organisation European Heritage Volunteers, as well as training courses organised by partner educational institutions, and volunteer-driven maintenance efforts such as this workcamp, welcoming participants from across the world to engage with its unique built heritage.
[Travel Information]
The nearest airport: BER in Berlin,Germany
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Next towns: Bleicherode (6 km), Nordhausen (20 km), Erfurt (75 km) Region: Thuringia Next bus station: Großlohra, Friedrichslohra/Wartehalle Next railway stations: Gebra/Hainleite (5 km), Wolkramshausen (12 km). Next airports: Leipzig/Halle (LEJ, 155 km), Frankfurt/Main (FRA, 280 km), Berlin (BER, 300 km)
Meeting Point and Time: Information about the meeting point will be provided in the infosheet
Description of accommodation and food:
Accommodation at Open Houses projects reflects the organisation’s ethos of simplicity, shared responsibility, and community spirit. Volunteers stay in rustic but fair conditions, often within the historic sites they are helping to maintain. While the facilities are basic, they provide all essential necessities, including shared rooms, communal kitchens, and sanitary facilities. A key aspect of the experience is the collective preparation of meals—participants take turns cooking, introducing dishes from their home countries, and fostering a spirit of camaraderie through shared meals. This collaborative approach strengthens bonds among volunteers, making the experience as much about cultural exchange as it is about practical work. Food is fully provided as part of the programme, ensuring that volunteers do not face additional costs. Importantly, Open Houses does not use the fees participants pay to finance the projects; these funds remain with their sending organisations, reinforcing the programme’s non-commercial and volunteer-driven nature.
English
* 현장납부비용 : 0
First Language: English
Available vegetarian food: Yes
Documents the applicants have to provide:
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Description of the partner organizing/hosting the project:
The Emmaus Community of Erba is part of the global Emmaus Movement, which aims to combat poverty and social exclusion through the principles of work, sharing, and mutual aid. The Emmaus Trapeiros Association, present in the Como area since 2000, shares the values of the Emmaus Movement through work, sharing and service. Over the years, the group s attention and support has been given to various organisations in the area and to communities and associations in various European countries, as well as in Africa and Latin America. The commitment of the community members, volunteers and friends has been rewarded with the opening of the community in 2011 and, in 2019, the new headquarters and marketplace in the town of Erba.The challenge is to resist and to continue - every day - the work of collecting used materials with people who want to share the Emmaus experience and carry out actions of solidarity with others.
Description of work:
The volunteers will take part in the classic activities of collecting, sorting, selling, recycling and repairing materials that have always characterised the Emmaus communities. They will share the days with the local volunteers and the people welcomed in the Emmaus community, both in activities and in moments of leisure. Volunteers will take an active part in the organisation of the solidarity flea market, in the selection of materials and their placement at the market.
Description of location and leisure:
The location is close to the mountains and Lake Como. In their free time, volunteers can visit the surrounding area, the mountains and nearby towns.
[Travel Information]
The nearest airport: MXP in Milano (Milan),Italy
The nearest terminal (train-, bus-, taxi station): Milan, Italy
Meeting Point and Time: At Erba train station, from 9:00a.m. until 6:00p.m.
Description of accommodation and food:
Volunteers will sleep in tents with air mattresses provided by the campsite they need to bring their own sleeping bag. Showers with hot water, drinking water and internet are available. Also the kitchen is available at the community.
English, Italian
First Language: English
Second Language: Italian
Description of specific requirements: Volunteers should have an interest in charity work and previous volunteering experience is very welcome.
Documents the applicants have to provide:
[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 개인용 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.
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